Marc Almond of Soft Cell 2021 in London.
Photo: Getty Images, Jim Dyson. All rights reserved.
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English synth-pop duo Soft Cell, best known for their 1981 version of “Tainted Love,” have teamed up with the Pet Shop Boys to record the single “Purple Zone.” The video for the song can be seen here.
No farewell, but a new record
Actually, Marc Almond and Dave Ball from Soft Cell only wanted to do a big reunion show in London in 2018 and at the same time celebrate their farewell. However, last year they announced another album together: *HAPPINESS NOT INCLUDED. Originally planned for February, it should now be released in May. In return, the two now give another foretaste of the record with “Purple Zone”.
From remix to joint single
After a Soft Cell 2021 concert that the Pet Shop Boys attended, the idea of working on a title together came up. The pop duo of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe had been so enthusiastic about “Purple Zone” live that they suggested that the song be remixed. From this mind game, the larger-scale cooperation between the two duos developed for the joint recording of the single.
Almond gushes about the collaboration: “It’s been an honor to work with the Pet Shop Boys and the track is the perfect combination of them and us.” Song” to have created.
20 years had to pass
In addition to the single “Heart Like Chernobyl”, the titles “Bruises on All My Illusions” and “Happiness Not Included” have also been released recently. The new track is the fourth release from the forthcoming album.
*HAPPINESS NOT INCLUDED. will be the synth-popper’s first long-player in 20 years and, according to Almond, is set to take a more serious direction than previous material.
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